First cross-strait video conference to be held today

A cross-strait videoconference will take place today as part of an effort to fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Taiwan and China, an opposition PFP lawmaker said yesterday.

"Representatives from Taiwan, Beijing and Guangdong will take part in the first cross-strait video-conference to share their SARS diagnostic experiences," said Kao Ming-chien (高明見).

Kao, who suggested holding the video-conference at his own expense, stressed that the televised communication would help the two sides of the Strait collaborate on fighting SARS.

"The invited Chinese conferees are well known for their medical expertise," Kao told reporters, adding that today's videoconference will focus on sharing diagnostic experiences and reporting the latest infection tallies in the three places.

Five Chinese experts of preventive medicine and respiratory physicians will participate in the televised meeting from Beijing, while four other medical professionals will join the discussion from Guangdong, which is thought to be the origin of the flu-like disease outbreak last year.

Kao also said that a Chinese Cabinet official will host the meeting on behalf of the Chinese conferees today.

"Tsao Rong-qui (曹榮桂), dean of Chinese Hospital Management College who is scheduled to host the video conference in Beijing, was formerly a vice minister at the Chinese health ministry," he said.

The lawmaker said that Taiwanese conferees include scholars, professionals and two government representatives, DeputyDirector-General of the Center for Disease Control Hsu Shi-mei (許須美) and Hsiao Tung-ming (蕭東銘), secretary-general of Taipei City Government's Health Bureau.

Kao said he will consider holding a second videoconference later if more cross-strait discussion is needed.

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